Funding Continues for After the Bell Program

NOTE: A list of grants announced today follows this release.Young people are taking part in lifesaving sport, dance and other physical activities through After the Bell programs.

Environment Minister Margaret Miller, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine, announced today, March 31, more than $14,000 in funding for after-school activities in East Hants, Middle Musquodoboit and Shubenacadie.

In lifesaving sport, people first learn lifesaving skills and then use them in competition. The sport encourages lifesavers to develop, maintain and improve the physical and mental skills needed to save lives in the water.

“I have lots of fun – it’s making us stronger, but we have fun while doing it. It’s also becoming more popular which is awesome because we have more people for relays,” said Megan James, a 15-year-old participant in the Lifesaving Sport League program.

After the Bell aims to increase physical activity in 12-to-15- year-olds, the years of greatest decline in physical activity. The priority is to involve girls. Research shows just 21 per cent of girls meet the standard of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Last year, 79 per cent of the 1,958 After the Bell participants were girls.

“Physical activity can build confidence, friendships, and most importantly healthy habits,” said Ms. Miller. “I’m pleased that with the After the Bell program, young people can get active close to home.”

Groups that receive After the Bell funding can decide which activities they would like to run based on the needs of their communities.

Government is investing $282,000 in After the Bell projects in 67 communities across the province.